Detachable Gantry Wheel Assembly for Tool-Free Rough-Surface Mobility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing three-dimensional additive gantry systems face challenges in mobility, particularly when moving on uneven or undeveloped surfaces, as current solutions like caster wheels require tools for attachment and detachment and do not provide adequate ruggedness.
Innovation Solution
A detachable wheel assembly with an attachment arm and securing pin is designed to securely attach to a gantry truss, allowing the system to be moved by adjusting jacks and coupling wheels at balance points for easy relocation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a caster wheel is used to move the construction system, then the system can be moved on a foundation or warehouse floor, but tools are required to attach or detach the caster wheel and it does not provide rugged mobility on uneven surfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The wheel assembly is divided into separable components (wheel, attachment arm, securing mechanism) that can be independently attached and detached from the construction system, allowing tool-free installation while maintaining structural integrity
Solution Approach 2:
The attachment mechanism incorporates movable elements such as adjustable arms and spring-loaded securing components that adapt to different positions and apply automatic locking force, enabling dynamic attachment without tools
2Ease of operation
If a caster wheel is used for mobility, then the system can be relocated, but it provides poor mobility on uneven or undeveloped surfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The wheel assembly parameters (wheel diameter, tread pattern, material hardness) are optimized to handle varying surface conditions, and the attachment arm length can be adjusted to accommodate different ground elevations and unevenness levels
3Productivity
If the construction system is moved using rollers and ramps, then the system can be loaded and offloaded from a trailer, but the process requires loading and offloading through multiple steps
Solution Approach 1:
The wheel assembly is extracted as a self-contained mobility unit that can be quickly attached to the construction system, eliminating the need for complex roller-and-ramp loading procedures and enabling direct lifting and rolling relocation
Data Source
AI summary
An assembly includes an attachment arm having an axle extending from a first end of the attachment arm. The attachment arm of the detachable wheel assembly further includes a securing portion forming a second end of the attachment arm, the securing portion of the attachment arm including a pin positioned to extend above a first frame member of a gantry truss and to secure the first frame member between the pin and a portion of the attachment arm. The attachment arm also includes a frame support corresponding to a second frame member of the gantry truss such that the frame support supports the second frame member when the assembly is secured to the gantry truss, and the assembly includes a wheel rotatably attached to the axle of the attachment arm.